After being forced to retire early because of a trauma injury on the job, I had to not only physically, but mentally rebuild myself.

Choosing me came at a great cost- personally, emotionally, and, most of all, mentally. To many, it may have seemed like a selfish choice, especially because they had grown accustomed to the version of me whose default setting was always, "Your needs before mine." Over time, I disappeared- I was no longer okay with simply being okay- I wanted more for myself- It wasn't until recently that I realized choosing me wasn't selfish- it was necessary. Necessary for my emotional well-being, for my future, and for the kind of mother, friend, and career-driven woman I want to be- A woman who no longer feels the need to apologize for her ambitions, her growth, or the space she takes up- Choosing myself wasn't the end of caring for others. It was the beginning of finally caring for myself, too.

Choosing myself did not mean I stopped loving others; it meant I finally stopped abandoning myself. My healing began the moment I realized my peace, purpose, and future were also worthy of protection.

After some painful changes in my life, I made the decision to pour into myself and the business I was building. I'm still on the journey of healing, but each day I'm learning that I am enough, I am worthy, and choosing myself isn't selfish. It's necessary.

The moment I chose myself was when I stopped shrinking my goals to make others comfortable. I realized that protecting my peace, honoring my worth, and pursuing the life I wanted wasn't selfish. It was the foundation for everything better that came after.

Imagine seeing a person take 100 papers in their hand and throwing it up in the air and all the papers fall all over the place… Sometimes you have to make that choice of letting go. And it's OK because after everything is out your hand, you can then specifically CHOOSE what's best, what serves you, what you should pick up, and what you should leave on the floor.

I chose myself the moment I realized healing wasn't about waiting for someone else to change. It was about becoming the person I wanted my children to watch become. Every uncomfortable decision since then has been an investment in my peace, my purpose, and a future that reflects who I am instead of what I've been through.

It is Okay to want more! Because wanting more isn't selfish. It's stewardship. It's honoring the gifts you've been given. Give yourself permission to want more, and allow yourself to reach for it! Never let anyone tell you to sacrifice your growth. Stand up, look in the mirror, and remember: it is always okay to want more.

There came a point when I realized I could no longer build a life around everyone else's expectations while ignoring what I needed. As I started choosing myself in every area of my life, I found the courage to build a business that reflects my values. One that gives me the freedom to prioritize my well-being while doing meaningful work and creating lasting community impact.

As an educator of nearly 28 years, I understand deeply how critical self-care is. It's more than a trend; it's an intentional, intimate, invigorating reengagement with the absolute most important stakeholder in your life: you.

Choosing myself looked like finally giving my own business the same strategy and structure I'd spent years building for everyone else. The discomfort passed; the ownership didn't.

We have to teach ourselves to be a bit selfish in a sense to accomplish our goals. This means learning how to prioritize family, friends, work and career efficiently to keep everyone satisfied, including the most important person, ourself.

After spending 23 years taking care of the needs of my teams and nonprofit organizations, with such intensity that I lived in a constant cycle of burnout, I decided to work for myself, set firmer boundaries, and create a professional life I enjoy. Now I get to focus on my personal wellbeing and professional passion, which has made me more productive and consistently happy.

There was a time when I believed that choosing myself meant disappointing others. Like many women, I put everyone else's needs before my own: my family, my clients, my responsibilities, and my career. I rarely stopped to ask what I truly wanted. The turning point came when I realized that investing in myself wasn't selfish, it was necessary. I chose to pursue bigger goals, including building my own law firm, serving my community through leadership, and returning to school to pursue a Doctor of Education at the University of Southern California. None of those decisions were easy. They required sacrifices, resilience, and the courage to step outside my comfort zone. Choosing myself didn't mean choosing myself over others. It meant becoming the best version of myself so I could serve others more effectively. Every challenge I embraced made me a stronger leader, a better mother, a more compassionate attorney, and a lifelong learner. Today, I no longer apologize for having ambition. I no longer feel guilty for making space for my own growth. When women invest in themselves, they don't just change their own lives, they inspire others to believe that they can do the same. My message to every woman is simple: Believe in yourself, embrace lifelong learning, and never be afraid to choose the future you deserve.

Like many women, I've experienced moments where life didn't unfold the way I expected. There were times when I questioned my next step, wondered whether I was good enough, or had to rebuild after circumstances beyond my control. Looking back, I realize those moments weren't the end of my story, they were the beginning of a new chapter. Throughout my career in accounting, I've learned that resilience is one of the most valuable skills anyone can develop. Technical knowledge is important, but your character, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning are what carry you through life's unexpected challenges. As a single mother of two, I've always wanted my children to see that success isn't defined by never failing. It's defined by how you respond when things don't go as planned. Every obstacle has taught me something, whether it was patience, perseverance, or the confidence to trust my own abilities. One lesson I carry with me is that our careers don't define our worth. Titles change, companies change, and opportunities come and go, but the skills, integrity, and relationships we build stay with us. I've also learned the importance of advocating for yourself. Don't wait for someone else to recognize your value. Continue learning, ask for opportunities, and believe in your ability to contribute. Growth often begins the moment we decide to stop doubting ourselves. If I could encourage other women with one message, it would be this: Don't let one difficult season convince you that your story is over. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities begin after the doors you never expected to close. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself. Because your next chapter may be your best one yet.

Faith didn't just carry me, it reminded me that healing looks different in every culture, and every culture deserves a healer who understands its language.

What may feel like an unbearable loss can actually be the beginning of something wonderful… Through it all you will find that inner strength that you never thought you had and that will create a new chapter of hope and endless possibilities….

The longer I lead, the more I realize my job isn’t to have every answer. My job is to help people see their potential and give them the confidence to go after it.

I chose myself when I stopped apologizing for needing more; More peace, more purpose, more alignment, more truth. It was uncomfortable to step out of the roles I'd been taught to fill, but choosing my own growth lit a fire in me that I refuse to dim again. My future deserves a woman who stands fully in her power, and I'm becoming her every day.